Battery maintenance tool with probe light

ABSTRACT

A battery maintenance tool, which electrically couples to a battery, includes a maintenance tool housing and electronic circuitry within the maintenance tool housing. A cable, substantially external to the maintenance tool housing includes a plurality of conductors. At least some conductors of the plurality conductors are configured to electrically couple to the electronic circuitry within the maintenance tool housing. At least one probe light that is configured to electrically couple to at least two of the plurality of conductors in the cable is also included. The probe light, which is separate from the maintenance tool housing, receives power via the at least two of the plurality of conductors to which it is electrically coupled.

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/681,666, filed Oct. 8, 2003, entitled“ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER WITH PROBE LIGHT,” the contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present embodiments relate to storage batteries. More specifically,the present embodiments relate to battery maintenance tools.

Storage batteries, such as lead acid storage batteries, are used in avariety of applications such as automotive vehicles and standby powersources. Typical storage batteries consist of a plurality of individualstorage cells which are electrically connected in series. Each cell canhave a voltage potential of about 2.1 volts, for example. By connectingthe cells in the series, the voltages of the individual cells are addedin a cumulative manner. For example, in a typical automotive storagebattery, six storage cells are used to provide a total voltage of about12.6 volts. The individual cells are held in a housing and the entireassembly is commonly referred to as the “battery.”

It is frequently desirable to ascertain the condition of a storagebattery. Various testing techniques have been developed over the longhistory of storage batteries. For example, one technique involves theuse of a hygrometer in which the specific gravity of the acid mixture inthe battery is measured. Electrical testing has also been used toprovide less invasive battery testing techniques. A very simpleelectrical test is to simply measure the voltage across the battery. Ifthe voltage is below a certain threshold, the battery is determined tobe bad. Another technique for testing a battery is referred to as a loadtest. In a load test, the battery is discharged using a known load. Asthe battery is discharged, the voltage across the battery is monitoredand used to determine the condition of the battery. More recently,techniques have been pioneered by Dr. Keith S. Champlin and Midtronics,Inc. of Willowbrook, Ill. for testing storage battery by measuring adynamic parameter of the battery such as the dynamic conductance of thebattery. These techniques are described in a number of United Statespatents, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,873,911, issued Mar. 25, 1975, toChamplin, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTING DEVICE; U.S. Pat. No.3,909,708, issued Sep. 30, 1975, to Champlin, entitled ELECTRONICBATTERY TESTING DEVICE; U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,768, issued Mar. 28, 1989,to Champlin, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTING DEVICE; U.S. Pat. No.4,825,170, issued Apr. 25, 1989, to Champlin, entitled ELECTRONICBATTERY TESTING DEVICE WITH AUTOMATIC VOLTAGE SCALING; U.S. Pat. No.4,881,038, issued Nov. 14, 1989, to Champlin, entitled ELECTRONICBATTERY TESTING DEVICE WITH AUTOMATIC VOLTAGE SCALING TO DETERMINEDYNAMIC CONDUCTANCE; U.S. Pat. No. 4,912,416, issued Mar. 27, 1990, toChamplin, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTING DEVICE WITHSTATE-OF-CHARGE COMPENSATION; U.S. Pat. No. 5,140,269, issued Aug. 18,1992, to Champlin, entitled ELECTRONIC TESTER FOR ASSESSING BATTERY/CELLCAPACITY; U.S. Pat. No. 5,343,380, issued Aug. 30, 1994, entitled METHODAND APPARATUS FOR SUPPRESSING TIME VARYING SIGNALS IN BATTERIESUNDERGOING CHARGING OR DISCHARGING; U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,136, issued Nov.5, 1996, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER WITH AUTOMATIC COMPENSATIONFOR LOW STATE-OF-CHARGE; U.S. Pat. No. 5,574,355, issued Nov. 12, 1996,entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTION AND CONTROL OF THERMALRUNAWAY IN A BATTERY UNDER CHARGE; U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,416, issued Dec.10, 1996, entitled APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR STEP-CHARGING BATTERIES TOOPTIMIZE CHARGE ACCEPTANCE; U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,728, issued Dec. 17,1996, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER WITH AUTOMATIC COMPENSATION FORLOW STATE-OF-CHARGE; U.S. Pat. No. 5,589,757, issued Dec. 31, 1996,entitled APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR STEP-CHARGING BATTERIES TO OPTIMIZECHARGE ACCEPTANCE; U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,093, issued Jan. 7, 1997,entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTING DEVICE LOOSE TERMINAL CONNECTIONDETECTION VIA A COMPARISON CIRCUIT; U.S. Pat. No. 5,598,098, issued Jan.28, 1997, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER WITH VERY HIGH NOISEIMMUNITY; U.S. Pat. No. 5,656,920, issued Aug. 12, 1997, entitled METHODFOR OPTIMIZING THE CHARGING LEAD-ACID BATTERIES AND AN INTERACTIVECHARGER; U.S. Pat. No. 5,757,192, issued May 26, 1998, entitled METHODAND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING A BAD CELL IN A STORAGE BATTERY; U.S. Pat.No. 5,821,756, issued Oct. 13, 1998, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTERWITH TAILORED COMPENSATION FOR LOW STATE-OF-CHARGE; U.S. Pat. No.5,831,435, issued Nov. 3, 1998, entitled BATTERY TESTER FOR JISSTANDARD; U.S. Pat. No. 5,914,605, issued Jun. 22, 1999, entitledELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER; U.S. Pat. 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No. 6,566,883, issued May 20, 2003, entitled ELECTRONICBATTERY TESTER; U.S. Pat. No. 6,586,941, issued Jul. 1, 2003, entitledBATTERY TESTER WITH DATABUS; U.S. Pat. No. 6,597,150, issued Jul. 22,2003, entitled METHOD OF DISTRIBUTING JUMP-START BOOSTER PACKS; U.S.Ser. No. 09/780,146, filed Feb. 9, 2001, entitled STORAGE BATTERY WITHINTEGRAL BATTERY TESTER; U.S. Ser. No. 09/756,638, filed Jan. 8, 2001,entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING BATTERY PROPERTIES FROMCOMPLEX IMPEDANCE/ADMITTANCE; U.S. Ser. No. 09/862,783, filed May 21,2001, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TESTING CELLS AND BATTERIESEMBEDDED IN SERIES/PARALLEL SYSTEMS; U.S. Ser. No. 09/960,117, filedSep. 20, 2001, entitled IN-VEHICLE BATTERY MONITOR; U.S. Ser. No.09/908,278, filed Jul. 18, 2001, entitled BATTERY CLAMP WITH EMBEDDEDENVIRONMENT SENSOR; U.S. Ser. No. 09/880,473, filed Jun. 13, 2001;entitled BATTERY TEST MODULE; U.S. Ser. No. 09/940,684, filed Aug. 27,2001, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EVALUATING STORED CHARGE IN ANELECTROCHEMICAL CELL OR BATTERY; U.S. Ser. No. 60/330,441, filed Oct.17, 2001, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER WITH RELATIVE TEST OUTPUT;U.S. Ser. No. 60/348,479, filed Oct. 29, 2001, entitled CONCEPT FORTESTING HIGH POWER VRLA BATTERIES; U.S. Ser. No. 10/046,659, filed Oct.29, 2001, entitled ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE; U.S.Ser. No. 09/993,468, filed Nov. 14, 2001, entitled KELVIN CONNECTOR FORA BATTERY POST; U.S. Ser. No. 09/992,350, filed Nov. 26, 2001, entitledELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER, U.S. Ser. No. 60/341,902, filed Dec. 19,2001, entitled BATTERY TESTER MODULE; U.S. Ser. No. 10/042,451, filedJan. 8, 2002, entitled BATTERY CHARGE CONTROL DEVICE, U.S. Ser. No.10/073,378, filed Feb. 8, 2002, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS USING ACIRCUIT MODEL TO EVALUATE CELL/BATTERY PARAMETERS; U.S. Ser. No.10/093,853, filed Mar. 7, 2002, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER WITHNETWORK COMMUNICATION; U.S. Ser. No. 60/364,656, filed Mar. 14, 2002,entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER WITH LOW TEMPERATURE RATINGDETERMINATION; U.S. Ser. No. 10/098,741, filed Mar. 14, 2002, entitledMETHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUDITING A BATTERY TEST; U.S. Ser. No.10/112,114, filed Mar. 28, 2002; U.S. Ser. No. 10/109,734, filed Mar.28, 2002; U.S. Ser. No. 10/112,105, filed Mar. 28, 2002, entitled CHARGECONTROL SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE BATTERY; U.S. Ser. No. 10/112,998, filedMar. 29, 2002, entitled BATTERY TESTER WITH BATTERY REPLACEMENT OUTPUT;U.S. Ser. No. 10/119,297, filed Apr. 9, 2002, entitled METHOD ANDAPPARATUS FOR TESTING CELLS AND BATTERIES EMBEDDED IN SERIES/PARALLELSYSTEMS; U.S. Ser. No. 60/379,281, filed May 8, 2002, entitled METHODFOR DETERMINING BATTERY STATE OF CHARGE; U.S. Ser. No. 60/387,046, filedJun. 7, 2002, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INCREASING THE LIFE OF ASTORAGE BATTERY; U.S. Ser. No. 10/177,635, filed Jun. 21, 2002, entitledBATTERY CHARGER WITH BOOSTER PACK; U.S. Ser. No. 10/207,495, filed Jul.29, 2002, entitled KELVIN CLAMP FOR ELECTRICALLY COUPLING TO A BATTERYCONTACT; U.S. Ser. No. 10/200,041, filed Jul. 19, 2002, entitledAUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE; U.S. Ser. No.10/217,913, filed Aug. 13, 2002, entitled, BATTERY TEST MODULE; U.S.Ser. No. 60/408,542, filed Sep. 5, 2002, entitled BATTERY TEST OUTPUTSADJUSTED BASED UPON TEMPERATURE; U.S. Ser. No. 10/246,439, filed Sep.18, 2002, entitled BATTERY TESTER UPGRADE USING SOFTWARE KEY; U.S. Ser.No. 60/415,399, filed Oct. 2, 2002, entitled QUERY BASED ELECTRONICBATTERY TESTER; and U.S. Ser. No. 10/263,473, filed Oct. 2, 2002,entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER WITH RELATIVE TEST OUTPUT; U.S. Ser.No. 60/415,796, filed Oct. 3, 2002, entitled QUERY BASED ELECTRONICBATTERY TESTER; U.S. Ser. No. 10/271,342, filed Oct. 15, 2002, entitledIN-VEHICLE BATTERY MONITOR; U.S. Ser. No. 10/270,777, filed Oct. 15,2002, entitled PROGRAMMABLE CURRENT EXCITER FOR MEASURING AC IMMITTANCEOF CELLS AND BATTERIES; U.S. Ser. No. 10/310,515, filed Dec. 5, 2002,entitled BATTERY TEST MODULE; U.S. Ser. No. 10/310,490, filed Dec. 5,2002, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER; U.S. Ser. No. 10/310,385,filed Dec. 5, 2002, entitled BATTERY TEST MODULE, U.S. Ser. No.60/437,255, filed Dec. 31, 2002, entitled REMAINING TIME PREDICTIONS,U.S. Ser. No. 60/437,224, filed Dec. 31, 2002, entitled DISCHARGEVOLTAGE PREDICTIONS, U.S. Ser. No. 10/349,053, filed Jan. 22, 2003,entitled APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING A BATTERY FROMOVERDISCHARGE, U.S. Ser. No. 10/388,855, filed Mar. 14, 2003, entitledELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER WITH BATTERY FAILURE TEMPERATUREDETERMINATION, U.S. Ser. No. 10/396,550, filed Mar. 25, 2003, entitledELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER, U.S. Ser. No. 60/467,872, filed May 5, 2003,entitled METHOD FOR DETERMINING BATTERY STATE OF CHARGE, U.S. Ser. No.60/477,082, filed Jun. 9, 2003, entitled ALTERNATOR TESTER, U.S. Ser.No. 10/460,749, filed Jun. 12, 2003, entitled MODULAR BATTERY TESTER FORSCAN TOOL, U.S. Ser. No. 10/462,323, filed Jun. 16, 2003, entitledELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER HAVING A USER INTERFACE TO CONFIGURE APRINTER, U.S. Ser. No. 10/601,608, filed Jun. 23, 2003, entitled CABLEFOR ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER, U.S. Ser. No. 10/601,432, filed Jun. 23,2003, entitled BATTERY TESTER CABLE WITH MEMORY; U.S. Ser. No.60/490,153, filed Jul. 25, 2003, entitled SHUNT CONNECTION TO A PCB FORAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM EMPLOYED IN AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE, U.S. Ser.No. 10/653,342, filed Sep. 2, 2003, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTERCONFIGURED TO PREDICT A LOAD TEST RESULT, U.S. Ser. No. 10/654,098,filed Sep. 3, 2003, entitled BATTERY TEST OUTPUTS ADJUSTED BASED UPONBATTERY TEMPERATURE AND THE STATE OF DISCHARGE OF THE BATTERY, U.S. Ser.No. 10/656,526, filed Sep. 5, 2003, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FORMEASURING A PARAMETER OF A VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, U.S. Ser. No.10/656,538, filed Sep. 5, 2003, entitled ALTERNATOR TESTER WITH ENCODEDOUTPUT, which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

In general, battery maintenance operations such as periodic batterytesting and charging may be difficult to carry out in a poorly litenvironment, for example, when the battery terminals are recessed incabinets.

SUMMARY

A battery maintenance tool, which electrically couples to a battery,includes a maintenance tool housing and electronic circuitry within themaintenance tool housing. A cable, substantially external to themaintenance tool housing includes a plurality of conductors. At leastsome conductors of the plurality conductors are configured toelectrically couple to the electronic circuitry within the maintenancetool housing. At least one probe light that is configured toelectrically couple to at least two of the plurality of conductors inthe cable is also included. The probe light, which is separate from themaintenance tool housing, receives power via the at least two of theplurality of conductors to which it is electrically coupled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 are simplified block diagrams of battery testers inaccordance with the present embodiments.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show perspective views of a battery tester Kelvin clamp towhich a probe light is coupled in accordance with the presentembodiments.

FIGS. 6 through 9 show different embodiments in which probes lightscoupled to battery maintenance tool cables receive their power viaconductors in the battery maintenance tool cables.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present embodiments, in general, relate to battery maintenance tools(battery testers, battery chargers, etc.) that include probe lights thathelp illuminate environments in which the battery maintenance tools areused. A battery tester that includes a probe light is a specific exampleof one of the present embodiments. Such a battery tester is firstdescribed below in connection with FIGS. 1 through 4. Embodiments inwhich a probe light receives it power through conductors within abattery maintenance tool cable are described further below.

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of electronic battery tester 10,which includes a probe light 30, in accordance with one of the presentembodiments. The same reference numerals are used in the various figuresto represent the same or similar elements. Note that FIG. 1 is asimplified block diagram of a specific type of battery tester. However,the present embodiments are applicable to any type of battery testerincluding those which do not use dynamic parameters. Other types ofexample testers include testers that conduct load tests, current basedtests, voltage based tests, tests which apply various conditions orobserve various performance parameters of a battery, etc. Battery tester10 includes a test circuit 18, a memory 20, an input 68, an output 22,cable(s) or probe(s) 14 and probe light 30. Test circuit 18 includes amicroprocessor system 24 and other circuitry, shown in FIG. 3,configured to measure a dynamic parameter of battery 12. As used herein,a dynamic parameter is one which is related to a signal having analternating current (AC) component. The signal can be either applieddirectly or drawn from battery 12. Example dynamic parameters includedynamic resistance, conductance, impedance, admittance, etc. This listis not exhaustive, for example, a dynamic parameter can include acomponent value of an equivalent circuit of battery 12. Microprocessorsystem 24 controls the operation of other components within testcircuitry 18 and, in turn, carries out different battery testingfunctions based upon battery testing instructions stored in memory 20.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, cable 14 includes a four-pointconnection known as a Kelvin connection formed by connections 26 and 28.With such a Kelvin connection, two couplings are provided to thepositive and negative terminals of battery 12. First Kelvin connection26 includes a first conductor 26A and a second conductor 26B, whichcouple to test circuit 18. Similarly, first conductor 28A and secondconductor 28B of second Kelvin connection 28 also couple to test circuit18. Employing Kelvin connections 26 and 28 allows one of the electricalconnections on each side of battery 12 to carry large amounts of currentwhile the other pair of connections can be used to obtain accuratevoltage readings. Note that in other embodiments, instead of employingKelvin connections 26 and 28, cable 14 can include a single conductor tocouple the first battery terminal to test circuit 18 and a singleconductor to couple the second battery terminal to test circuit 18.Details regarding testing battery 12 with the help of Kelvin connections26 and 28 are provided further below in connection with FIG. 3.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, probe light 30, which releasably couples tocable 14, includes a light bulb 32, a housing 34, power controlcircuitry 36 and a switch 40. Housing 34, which may be formed of anysuitable insulating material (such as plastic), substantially enclosespower control circuitry 36. A lamp holder or socket (not shown), intowhich light bulb 32 is inserted, is included within housing 34. Powercontrol circuitry 36 electrically couples to the lamp holder or socket.Probe light-to-cable connector 38, which is configured to couple probelight 30 to cable 14, is shown as a single block in the interest ofsimplification. However, depending upon the type of coupling desiredbetween probe light 30 and cable 14, probe light-to-cable connector 38may include one or more components of any suitable design. In someembodiments, probe light 30 releasably mechanically couples to cable 14and therefore probe light-to-cable connector 38 may include pieces ofVelcro (attached to housing 34, of probe light 30, and to cable 14), forexample. In some embodiments, instead of Velcro pieces,probe-light-to-cable connector 38 may comprise a double-sided adhesivetape. In other such embodiments, probe-light-to-cable connector 38 maycomprise a loop (formed of plastic, for example) that is configured tofit around cable 14. The loop may be formed integral with housing 34. Insome embodiments, probe light-to-cable connector 38 may comprise aVelcro strap that is attached to housing 34, of probe light 30, andconfigured to wrap around cable 14. In some embodiments, probe 30 isconfigured to releasably mechanically and electrically couple to cable14. In such embodiments, probe light-to-cable connector 38 may includeany suitable male and female plug fittings capable of providing thereleasable mechanical and electrical coupling between probe 30 and cable14. For simplification, dashed lines 44 and 46 are used in FIG. 1 todenote releasable electrical coupling between power control circuitry36, of probe light 30, and conductors of cable 14. It should be notedthat, although dashed lines 44 and 46 are shown connected to conductors26A and 26B, respectively, electrical coupling between probe 30 andcable 14 can be provided to any suitable combination of conductors 26A,26B, 28A and 28B. In some embodiments, power control circuitry 36includes non-rechargeable batteries (lithium coin cells, AA batteries,AAA batteries, etc.) that provide power to light bulb 32. In someembodiments, power is supplied to light bulb 32 from test circuitry 18.For simplification, components such as pull up and/or pull downresistors and other power supply circuitry that may be employed withintest circuitry 18 to provide power to probe light 30 are not shown.Light bulb 30 can be switched on and off using switch 40 and/or form apush button (not shown), for example, included in input 68. In someembodiments, power control circuit circuitry 36 includes rechargeablebatteries/capacitors that can be recharged by the battery under test(such as 12) when it is coupled to tester 10. Incandescent lamps,cold-cathode lamps, etc., may be employed as light bulb 32. In someembodiments, probe light 30 has a longitudinal axis 35 that is orientedgenerally toward an end (such as 106 of FIG. 4), of one of the first andsecond Kelvin connections, that couples to one of the first and secondterminals of the battery.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of electronic battery tester 10,which includes a probe light 30 that couples to probe extension(s) 42 inaccordance with one embodiment. Probe extensions 42 are used, forexample, when testing batteries employed in Uninterruptible Power Supply(UPS) and telecommunication (telecom) applications. Here, the batteriesare in racks with very small clearance between the batteries and verylittle light, since no light is needed for the batteries to operate.Under such conditions, probe light 30, mounted on probe extension(s) 42,helps provide the necessary illumination to ensure that proper selectionof battery terminals takes place and proper connection to the selectedbattery terminals is made by probe extensions 42, which are used toreach the terminals. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the coupling ofprobe light 30, to probe extension(s) 42, and the powering and operationof probe light 30 is carried out in a manner similar to that describedin connection with FIG. 1 above.

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of electronic battery tester 10showing components of test circuit 18. In addition to microprocessorsystem 24, test circuit 18 also includes forcing function 50,differential amplifier 52 and analog-to-digital converter 54. Amplifier52 is capacitively coupled to battery 12 through capacitors C₁ and C₂.Amplifier 52 has an output connected to an input of analog-to-digitalconverter 54 which in turn has an output connected to microprocessorsystem 24. Microprocessor system 24 is also capable of receiving aninput from input device 68.

During testing of battery 12, forcing function 50 is controlled bymicroprocessor system 24 and provides a current I in the direction shownby the arrow in FIG. 3. In one embodiment, this is a sine wave, squarewave or a pulse. Differential amplifier 52 is connected to terminals 13and 15 of battery 12 through capacitors C₁ and C₂, respectively, andprovides an output related to the voltage potential difference betweenterminals 13 and 15. In a preferred embodiment, amplifier 52 has a highinput impedance. Tester 10 includes differential amplifier 70 havinginverting and noninverting inputs connected to terminals 13 and 15,respectively. Amplifier 70 is connected to measure the open circuitpotential voltage (VBAT) of battery 12 between terminals 13 and 15 andis one example of a dynamic response sensor used to sense the timevarying response of the battery 12 to the applied time varying current.The output of amplifier 70 is provided to analog-to-digital converter 54such that the voltage across terminals 13 and 15 can be measured bymicroprocessor system 24. The output of differential amplifier 52 isconverted to a digital format and is provided to microprocessor system24. Microprocessor system 24 operates at a frequency determined bysystem clock 58 and in accordance with programmable instructions storedin memory 20.

Microprocessor system 24 determines the conductance of battery 12 byapplying a current pulse I using forcing function 50. This measurementprovides a dynamic parameter related to the battery. Of course, any suchdynamic parameter can be measured including resistance, admittance,impedance or their combination along with conductance. Further, any typeof time varying signal can be used to obtain the dynamic parameter. Thesignal can be generated using an active forcing function or using aforcing function which provides a switchable load, for example, coupledto the battery 12. The processing circuitry determines the change inbattery voltage due to the current pulse I using amplifier 52 andanalog-to-digital converter 54. The value of current I generated byforcing function 50 is known and is stored in memory 20. In oneembodiment, current I is obtained by applying a load to battery 12.Microprocessor system 24 calculates the conductance of battery 12 usingthe following equation:

$\begin{matrix}{G_{BAT} = \frac{\Delta\; I}{\Delta\; V}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 1}\end{matrix}$where ΔI is the change in current flowing through battery 12 due toforcing function 50 and ΔV is the change in battery voltage due toapplied current ΔI. Based upon the battery conductance G_(BAT) and thebattery voltage, the battery tester 10 determines the condition ofbattery 12. Battery tester 10 is programmed with information which canbe used with the determined battery conductance and voltage as taught inthe above listed patents to Dr. Champlin and Midtronics, Inc.

The tester can compare the measured CCA (Cold Cranking Amp) with therated CCA for that particular battery. Additional information relatingto the conditions of the battery test (such as battery temperature,time, date, etc.) can be received by microprocessor system 24 from inputdevice 68. Further, as mentioned above, in some embodiments, probe light30 can be turned on and off from input 68.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a battery tester Kelvin clamp 100 towhich probe light 30 is coupled in accordance with another embodiment.Kelvin clamp 100 helps couple a Kelvin connection (such as 26) of cable14 (not shown in FIG. 4) to a battery terminal (such as 13 (not shown inFIG. 4)). As can be seen in FIG. 4, clamp 100 includes a Plier-Type clip108 having arms 102 and 104 connected together by pivot 105 and aterminal gripping portion 106 that can be opened or closed with the helpof arms 102 and 104. As in the case of the above-described embodiments,probe light 30 helps provide the necessary illumination to ensure thatproper selection of the battery terminal(s) takes place and properconnection to the selected battery terminals is made by Kelvin clamp100. For simplification, individual conductors of Kelvin connection 26are not shown in FIG. 4. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the couplingof probe light 30, to Kelvin clamp 100, and the powering and operationof probe light 30 is carried out in a manner similar to that describedin connection with FIG. 1 above.

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of a battery tester Kelvin clamp 100with the probe light 30 in a different position than that shown in FIG.4. Since the components of the clamps shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 aresubstantially similar, the same reference numerals are used in bothfigures. As can be seen in FIG. 5, probe light 30 is positionedproximate pivot 105 of clamp 100 with bulb 32 positioned such that itautomatically points in a same direction as terminal gripping portion106 of clamp 100.

As indicated above, a probe light (such as 30) can be attached to abattery tester cable and, in general, to a battery maintenance toolcable. The description below relates to embodiments in which a probelight (such as 30) receives it power through conductors within a batterymaintenance tool cable.

FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of a battery maintenance tool 150,which includes a probe light 30 that receives power via conductors inthe battery maintenance tool cable. Battery maintenance tool 150includes, as its primary components, a housing 152, an electroniccircuit 154 (which can include battery charging circuitry and/or batterytesting circuitry, etc.), cable 14, probe light 30 and a probe lightpower supply 156.

As can be seen in FIG. 6, cable 14, which is substantially external tobattery maintenance tool housing 152, includes a plurality of conductors26A, 26B, 28A, 28B, 158 and 160. Conductors 158 and 160 are optional. Atleast some conductors of the plurality of conductors (26A, 26B, 28A,28B, 158 and 160) are electrically coupled to electronic circuitry 154within housing 152. Further, probe light 30 electrically couples to atleast two of the plurality of conductors in cable 14. Forsimplification, the electrical coupling of at least two of the pluralityof conductors (26A, 26B, 28A, 28B, 158 and 160) to probe light 30 isshown by dashed lines 44 and 46. As noted above, probe light 30, whichis separate from battery maintenance tool housing 152, receives powervia the at least two of the plurality of conductors (26A, 26B, 28A, 28B,158 and 160) to which it is electrically coupled.

As in the case of the earlier-described embodiment shown in FIG. 1,cable 14 of FIG. 6 includes a four-point Kelvin connection formed byconnections 26 and 28. First Kelvin connection 26 includes firstconductor 26A and second conductor 26B that couple to electronic circuit154. First conductor 28A and second conductor 28B, included in secondKelvin connection 28, also couple to electronic circuit 154.Additionally, in some embodiments, at least some of Kelvin conductors26A, 26B, 26C and 26D are electrically coupled to probe light 30 andelectrically coupled to probe light power supply circuitry 156. In suchembodiments, Kelvin connections 26, 28 serve a dual purpose ofelectrically coupling electronic circuitry 154 to battery 12 andoperating as power supply conductors for probe light 30. As indicatedabove, in some embodiments, one or more additional conductors such as158 and 160 are included in cable 14. Here, one or both of conductors158 and 160 can be used along with, or instead of, at least one ofKelvin conductors 26A, 26B, 26C and 26D to supply power to probe light30 from probe light power supply 156. In general, the embodimentsdescribed in connection with FIG. 6 eliminate any need for batterieswithin probe light housing 34 to power light bulb(s) or lamp(s) 32.

FIG. 7 shows a specific embodiment of a probe light 30 that receives itspower from conductors within cable 14. In FIG. 7, a current limitedpower supply 156 is connected to conductors of Kelvin Connections suchas 26 and 28, and a probe light 30 is placed across those conductorsproximate to ends of the Kelvin connections that connect to terminals ofbattery 12. Probe light 30 may include a light-emitting diode (LED) 162and a reverse protection diode 164 for the LED 162. Instead of an LED(such as 162), an incandescent lamp can be used in some embodiments. Inembodiments that use an incandescent lamp, no protection diode such as164 is necessary. In general, any suitable lamp can be used for probelight 30.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, when probe light power supply 156 isON, a lamp such as 162 is always ON until Kelvin probes 26 and/or 28contact the battery posts. However, when there is proper contact betweenthe Kelvin connections 26 and 28 and the battery terminals, the light isnot needed. Thus, this feature provides visual feedback that a “good”connection has been made.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment that illustrates how power can besupplied to probe light 30 via conductors of a Kelvin connection. Inthis embodiment, an alternating current (AC) power source 156 is used tosupply power to lamp 32 of probe light 30. In the circuit of FIG. 8,capacitors 166 and 168 are employed to block the flow of direct current(DC). When probe light power supply 156 is ON, and conductors 26A and26B held electrically separate (or isolated) from each other when Kelvinclamp 100 is in an open position or when any other suitable conductorseparation mechanism 170 (for example, two insulated conductors inKelvin probe 26) is used, lamp 32 remains ON. However, when conductors26A and 26B are electrically coupled to the battery terminal as shown inFIG. 8, lamp 32 turns OFF due to the absence of a voltage across thelamp. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, it is also possible formicroprocessor system 24 to monitor, or periodically measure, AC currentI₁ by measuring a voltage across resistor 172 and, based on the value ofmeasured current, determine whether to turn probe light power supply 156ON/OFF.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an embodiment that utilizes multipleLEDs/lamps (174, 176) of different colors. For example, a white lightcan be used for illumination before a proper connection is made betweenthe Kelvin connection(s) and the battery terminal(s). When a properconnection is made between the Kelvin connection(s) and the batterypost(s), the white light can be turned OFF and a green light turned ON.In one example embodiment, microprocessor system 24 can detect whetherthe Kelvin connections are properly connected to the battery terminalsand accordingly turn ON/OFF the appropriate lamp.

Although the present embodiments have been described with reference topreferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the disclosure.

1. A battery maintenance tool comprising: a maintenance tool housing;electronic circuitry within the maintenance tool housing; a cable,substantially external to the maintenance tool housing, comprising aplurality of conductors, wherein at least some conductors of theplurality conductors are configured to electrically couple to theelectronic circuitry within the maintenance tool housing; at least oneprobe light, separate from, and independent of, the maintenance toolhousing, the at least one probe light configured to electrically coupleto at least two of the plurality of conductors in the cable, wherein theat least one probe light is configured to receive power via the at leasttwo of the plurality of conductors to which it is electrically coupled.2. The battery maintenance tool of claim 1 wherein the cable comprises:a first Kelvin connection, which includes a first set of two conductorsof the plurality conductors in the cable, configured to electricallycouple to a first terminal of a battery; and a second Kelvin connection,which includes a second set of two conductors of the plurality ofconductors in the cable, configured to electrically couple to a secondterminal of the battery.
 3. The battery maintenance tool of claim 2wherein the at least two conductors of the plurality of conductors towhich the probe light is electrically coupled are separate from, andadditional to, the first Kelvin connection and the second Kelvinconnection.
 4. The battery maintenance tool of claim 2 wherein at leastone of the at least two conductors of the plurality of conductors towhich the probe light is electrically coupled is a conductor included inone of the first Kelvin connection and the second Kelvin connection. 5.The battery maintenance tool of claim 2 wherein the at least twoconductors of the plurality of conductors to which the probe light iselectrically coupled are conductors included in at least one of thefirst Kelvin connection and the second Kelvin connection.
 6. The batterymaintenance tool of claim 2 wherein the at least two conductors of theplurality of conductors to which the probe light is electrically coupledare one of the first set of two conductors included in the first Kelvinconnection and the second set of two conductors included in the secondKelvin connection and wherein the at least one probe light turns offwhen proper contact is made between the respective one of the firstKelvin connection and the first battery terminal and the second Kelvinconnection and the second battery terminal to which the probe light isconnected.
 7. The battery maintenance tool of claim 2 wherein the atleast one probe light turns off when proper contact is made between atleast one of the first Kelvin connection and the first battery terminaland the second Kelvin connection and the second battery terminal.
 8. Thebattery maintenance tool of claim 2 wherein the at least one probe lightchanges color when proper contact is made between at least one of one ofthe first Kelvin connection and the first battery terminal and thesecond Kelvin connection and the second battery terminal.
 9. The batterymaintenance tool of claim 1 wherein the at least one probe lightcomprises a light-emitting diode.
 10. The battery maintenance tool ofclaim 1 wherein the at least one probe light comprises an incandescentlamp.
 11. The battery maintenance tool of claim 1 wherein the electroniccircuitry comprises battery testing circuitry.
 12. The batterymaintenance tool of claim 1 wherein the electronic circuitry comprisesbattery charging circuitry.
 13. A method comprising: coupling at leastone probe light to at least two of a plurality of conductors of abattery maintenance tool cable; and powering the probe light through theat least two of the plurality of conductors of the battery maintenancetool cable.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the at least two of theplurality of conductors of the battery maintenance tool cable are partof at least one of a first Kelvin connection and a second Kelvinconnection of the battery maintenance tool cable.
 15. The method ofclaim 13 wherein the at least two of the plurality of conductors of thebattery maintenance tool cable are separate from, and additional to, afirst Kelvin connection and a second Kelvin connection of the batterymaintenance tool cable.
 16. The method of claim 14 and furthercomprising turning off the al least one probe light when proper contactis made between one of the first Kelvin connection and a first batteryterminal and the second Kelvin connection and a second battery terminal.17. The method of claim 14 and further comprising turning off the alleast one probe light when proper contact is made between the firstKelvin connection and a first battery terminal and the second Kelvinconnection and a second battery terminal.
 18. The method of claim 14 andfurther comprising changing a color of the al least one probe light whenproper contact is made between one of the first Kelvin connection and afirst battery terminal and the second Kelvin connection and a secondbattery terminal.
 19. The method of claim 14 and further comprisingchanging a color of the al least one probe light when proper contact ismade between the first Kelvin connection and a first battery terminaland the second Kelvin connection and a second battery terminal.
 20. Themethod of claim 13 wherein coupling at least one probe light to at leasttwo of a plurality of conductors of a battery maintenance tool cablecomprises coupling one of a light-emitting diode and an incandescentlamp to the at least two of the plurality of conductors of the batterymaintenance tool cable.